This is making the email rounds. Now it can make the blog rounds!


(1) No Crucifix in sanctuary.


(2) Liturgical dance detected.


(3) Member of laity giving homily - to be evicted from lectern.


(4) Incomplete or no consecration. Occurs when illicit matter is used, wrong formula used, only one of the two elements of bread or wine is properly consecrated, or no one bearing the sacerdotal character is present. In cases where only one element is consecrated, a replay is called for.


(5) Illegal use of hands. Normally called when the celebrant has left the sanctuary to shake everybody's hands.


(6) Homiletical use of questionable or heretical theology. When detected, the Liturgical Ref pulls on his lips in a downward direction.



(7) The "What the heck am I hearing" signal is one of the most common signals. It indicates syrupy or banal liturgical music, or the inappropriate use of secular music.


(8) Disregarding the prescribed text of the Order of Mass. This is another common liturgical penalty despite the fact that no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority. (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)


(9) Illicit Posture. Usually called when you are being asked to stand instead of kneel as specified by the GIRM or set by your bishop's conference or licitly specified by your local ordinary.


(10) Illicit purification of sacred vessels. This is called when the purification of the sacred vessels is done by an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion despite the fact the the Pope revoked the indult in the U.S. for this permission.


(11) Illicit Participation. Called when too many people are in the sanctuary. For example occurs when EMHC arrive before the fraction rite or when some members of the congregation are invited into the sanctuary to pray with the priest during the consecration.


(12) Un-Christian Like Conduct. Can be called when elements of other religions contrary to Christianity are introduced such as new age beliefs. Un-Christian Like Conduct is also often called in the parking lot after Mass.


(13) Illegal Pass. The celebrant is simply not allowed to make a pass at anybody.


(14) Stole Infraction. Normally occurs when the celebrant wears his stole on top of the chasuble. Another penalty can be added if the celebrant does this and the stole is horrendously ugly.


(15) Excessive use of inclusive language. Penalty is thrown when grammatical awkwardness is detected in avoiding male pronouns.